School starts August 17 in a non-traditional way at SMJUHSD, as COVID-19 forces the continuance of distance learning at least until December when a re-valuation of returning to school safely occurs.
“I want to wish everyone the best year considering the circumstances,’’ said school board president Amy Lopez. “It will be different, but staff are working hard to make learning engaging for our students. We all want our students to return, but it must be safe for them to do so.’’
Curiosity and imagination transcended the COVID-19 pandemic throughout CSU Channel Islands’ (CSUCI) 2020 Summer Student Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF) program, which ran from June 8 to July 31.
We are in a revolution!! These last 6 months have been nothing short of that. This is not true for just a couple of isolated area or topics, but in general across all walks of life. Some aspects of the revolution have been like technology, where we knew we were going to change over the next decade, but now we are changing over in a matter of months, not years. Other aspects of the revolution were more surprising. Could any of us have predicted the rapid and comprehensive changes in social order and public policy that are being proposed for policing and justice reform?
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) is ready to assist parents with back-to-school programs and activities in addition to childcare.
The programs include academic support, assistance with online learning, sports & games, performing & fine arts, science, socialization, social emotional learning, and leadership development.
Ivanka Trump, daughter of President Trump, serves as a co-chair of the National Council for the American Worker. Several weeks ago, I, like many others, waxed skeptical of Ivanka’s suggestion that Americans laid off from their jobs “find something new” as they are displaced from their livelihoods by the tsunami-strength ravages of the coronavirus pandemic. She was roundly criticized for being the let-them-eat-cake embodiment of Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the French Revolution, who was ultimately executed at the guillotine.
Since about 2000 until this year, 2020, a total of twenty years, the city of Oxnard has had a top level executive dysfunctional, wasteful, costly and head-spinning management turnover rate. This hair on fire musical chairs approach to local governance, of course, contributes to horrific and untimely fiscal, planning and programmatic waste, malfeasance and mismanagement.
New walking testing begins 8/13/20 from 9 am to 6 pm at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. It is offered Monday through Friday. Please enter at Gate 2. The testing is no cost. No appointment needed.
Food Share, Ventura County’s largest hunger-relief organization, has partnered with Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) to bring the “Fueling Our Communities” program to Ventura County with drive-thru meal distribution events in Santa Paula and El Rio community in Oxnard. The events, which were funded in part by the utility, provided more than 26,000 free meals to individuals and families struggling with food insecurity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Department from La Colonia is proud to announce the completion of the fifth mural installment of the Youth Summer Mural Program. This year’s mural is aptly named “2020”. The mural is located in the back parking lot of the Oxnard Housing Authority Resident Services Offices, located at 1500 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard.
New restaurant from Silverlake Ramen development team soon to open at The Annex Food Hall OXNARD — Burnin’ Mouth, a new restaurant from the development team behind local favorite Silverlake Ramen, has signed a lease to set up shop at The…
2020 Census The Census helps determine how our community gets the funds we need to support education, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. By participating, you make an impact on our community for the next 10 years.
If your haven’t filled out the 2020 Census, you can complete it today by visiting www.my2020census.gov or calling 1-844-330-2020.
The Library presents its shortlist of books under consideration for UCSB Reads 2021 and invites the campus community to vote for their preference.
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The Economic Development Collaborative’s Small Business Development Center, the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Santa Barbara Organization has proudly distributed one million units of personal protective equipment free of charge to businesses across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.
Thanks to the hard work of our staff and partners, we have distributed 30-day supply packages of hand sanitizer, masks, and face shields for up to 10 employees for 1,500 businesses and 17,000 employees.
The Ventura Port District has installed five new SemaConnect charging stations for Ventura Harbor visitors. The new Series 6 charging stations replace a pair of charging stations previously installed at Island Packers and are open to all plug-in EV drivers that visit the harbor.
Last week I was talking with a constituent who was worried about the mask wearing habits of tourists while walking outside. I acknowledged it is important to promote people planning on wearing a mask even as part of an outdoor excursion (such as where there are bottlenecks and the inability to keep physical distance from others) even if there are times when it is not necessary (certain types of exercise do not require a mask, especially outdoors and if there are no other people around). Then I pointed out the vented mask she had been wearing around town for the past two months does not work to protect anyone around you and has been banned in some jurisdictions, such as our County, because it only filters air coming in and not the air you breathe out.
The California Department of Public Health has issued Youth Sports Guidance. Youth sports training, conditioning and physical education is now permitted in Ventura County when those activities include continuous physical distancing of at least six feet and a stable cohort, i.e. the same children at each meeting. Teams, classes, and other youth sports activities that involve contact, competitive or team play are not permitted. The State guidance document may be found at COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Youth Sports.
Researchers collaborate on a strategy for sustainable aquaculture, the world’s fastest growing food sector.
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There are 76 new cases today (46 (60.5%) of which have a lab collection from July 29th or earlier), 872 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (68 year old female and 96 year old male, both with comorbidities).
Current doubling time is 52.3 days.
The California Department of Public Health is experiencing delays in laboratory reporting. The information for August 5 is preliminary until the data system issue is resolved. Learn more by clicking here.
Port Lands $1.68M Grant for State-of-the-Art Technology
FEMA announced that the Port of Hueneme has been awarded $1.68 million in the Port Security Grant Program. Aimed to achieve the goal of a secure and resilient nation, the funding will aid the Port in modernizing their security, including improvements to the main gate entrance, and upgrading the Port’s CCTV surveillance system with cutting-edge technology.
As Santa Barbara City College prepares for the Fall 2020 semester, two well-respected employees will be assuming new roles as deans.
Paloma Arnold has been selected as the next Dean of Student Affairs. …
Elizabeth M. Imhof, Ph.D., has been chosen as the new Dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
On Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the County of Ventura will host a virtual Community Forum open to all members of the public online via Zoom to discuss the intersection of race and law enforcement in our community. The Community Forum will consist of a panel of County leaders and community representatives who will participate in a roundtable discussion, followed by questions from the public.
Click here for more information about the forum.
Here’s your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura from Friday-Sunday. There are 533 new cases today (231 (43.3%) of which have a lab collection from July 27th or earlier), 4,217 additional people tested, and 0 additional deaths; this includes reports from Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Current doubling time is 43.8 days.
Residents across the country have been receiving unsolicited and mysterious seeds shipped from China. The seeds are arriving in small mailer envelopes labeled with descriptions such as “stud earrings”, “jewelry”, “handmade flowers”, and “wire connectors”. Since it is illegal to ship seeds unless they meet the import requirements of the United States – including proper labeling with the name of the shipper, the type of seed, and certification where required – the small packets are sent mislabeled in order to pass through Customs undetected.
On Wednesday, August 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the County of Ventura will host a virtual Community Forum open to all members of the public online via Zoom to discuss the intersection of race and law enforcement in our community. The Community Forum will consist of a panel of County leaders and community representatives who will participate in a roundtable discussion, followed by questions from the public.
The August 5th Community Forum will be moderated by Monique Nowlin, County of Ventura Diversity and Inclusion Task Force representative and Deputy Director of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging. Panelists will include:
Summary
New Cases 106
Total Cases 7,103
Recovered Cases 3,797
Current Hospitalizations 76
Current ICU 21
Active Cases Under Quarantine 3,232
Deaths 74
Total People Tested 110,221
Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 update form the County of Ventura. There are 104 new cases today (53 (51.0%) of which have a lab collection from July 22nd or earlier), 636 additional people tested, and 2 additional deaths (86 year old female and 90 year old male, both with comorbidities). Current doubling time is 41.2 days. Currently, the County of Ventura is on the state monitoring list for case rate per 100,000 population over 14 days and % of ICU beds available; in order for us to get off the monitoring list, we need to have less than 850 reported cases in a 14 day period which is an average of 60 cases a day. Total, there have been 73 deaths (age range 29-107 years; 45 males and 28 females; 35 Non-Hispanic White, 31 Hispanic, 4 Non-Hispanic Asian, 1 Non-Hispanic Black, 1 Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native and 1 Non-Hispanic Other). Current hospitalizations are 75 and current ICU is 25.
SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application deadline is August 8,2020. PPP is designed to help small business, nonprofits, veteran organizations, Tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and other eligible borrowers keep their workers employed during the COVID-19 crisis.
Agencies from across the County of Ventura have been recognized by the California Association of Public Information Officers (CAPIO) with Excellence in Public Information and Communications (EPIC) Awards. The County Executive Office, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, and the Ventura County Fire Department received awards recognizing outstanding communications publications and campaigns. The County of Ventura publications and communications initiatives were chosen from among 275 award entries from across the state of California.
Vitalant is collecting plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19.
To be eligible, you must have:
A prior laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19, either by a positive swab test OR a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies requested by your health care provider
Complete resolution of symptoms for at least 28 days
All other donor eligibility for an automated plasma donation
Learn more at: https://www.vitalant.org/covidfree
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District announces its policy to serve nutritious meals every school day under The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household income is less than or equal to the federal guidelines.
The Ventura County Public Works Agency, Roads & Transportation (VCPWA-RT), which is responsible for maintaining roadways and safety within the county road right-of-way, needs feedback from the El Rio community to secure Active Transportation Program?funding from the State of California.
These funds support projects that encourage active transportation which includes biking, walking, and safe access to public transportation (buses and trains), sidewalks for safer walking and biking as well as to build facilities that reduce greenhouse gases.
All businesses in the County of Ventura are required to register at www.vcreopens.com. Even if your business never had to close during the pandemic you must register. There is no cost to register.
Thanks to the generosity of over 50 funding partners and service delivery partners, United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun program has the capacity to support up to 350 children and families this year through a virtual format in light of COVID-19. Seven virtual sites are serving students from Carpinteria Unified School District, Santa Barbara Unified School District (4 school sites instead of its usual 2 school sites), Goleta Union School District, and school districts throughout the Santa Ynez Valley.
America, and even our community, is very divided on how to respond to the strange times we are in. However, we must be united in concern about the futures of our children and grandchildren, preserving lives, and saving as many jobs and people from poverty.
How can we do all that?
In a new release by the VC Star is was reported on Tuesday, July 21, 2021 that the, “Oxnard Police Department Will Work With District Attorney’s Office to Vacate Civil Gang Injunctions”
The Little House By The Park and the Guadalupe Community Changers will lead a 2020 Census Car Caravan on Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to rally residents to complete the census. More than one dozen vehicles will participate in the caravan, including cars from the Guadalupe Fire Department, Catholic Charities, Dignity Health, Mechanics Bank, and City Council member Liliana Cardenas. Residents are invited come out and cheer on the caravan, and then attend a Census Clinic at the Little House By The Park, at 4681 11th Street, from 2 to 5 p.m., where they can complete the 2020 Census questionnaire.
VENTURA — On Tuesday, July 21, the Board of Supervisors received a report from the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and approved the creation of a full-time executive position for a Diversity and Inclusion Officer. The position, which will operate…
Here’s your County of Ventura COVID – 19 update:
94 new cases
6,049 total cases
1,524 new people tested
3,100 recovered cases
90 hospitalized
22 current ICU
2,886 active cases under quarantine
63 deaths (1 additional death – 84 year old female with comorbidity)
98,648 total people tested
Here is your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.
207 new cases
5,955 total cases
1,519 new people tested
3,000 recovered cases
94 hospitalizations
24 in the ICU
62 deaths (4 additional deaths – 79 year-old female with no comorbidity; and a 73 year-old male, an 82 year-old male, and a 98 year-old male – all with comorbidities)
2,893 active cases under quarantine
97,124 total people tested
7/20 3pm Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura
7/20 12pm St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 185 St. Thomas Drive, Ojai
7/21 5pm Food Share of Ventura County, 4156 Southbank Rd., Oxnard
7/22 3pm College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard
7/23 3pm Conejo Creek South, 1300 Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks
7/24 3pm Harding Park, 1330 E. Harvard Blvd., Santa Paula
7/25 12:30pm Ruben Castro Charities, Career Education Center, 5700 Condor Dr., Moorpark
Following the release of new state guidelines announced (on July 17) by Governor Gavin Newsom, all Ventura County school districts and charter schools will begin the new school year using distance learning without bringing students back to their campuses. The new guidance comes a day after most Ventura County schools had already committed to beginning the year with distance learning in support of the effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
To support local businesses and help ensure ongoing compliance with State and County Health orders and direction, the County of Ventura implemented a Business Ambassador program in partnership with City code enforcement partners, early in the COVID-19 response efforts. The special program has assisted businesses with navigating State and local guidance.
Here is your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.
224 new cases
1,588 new people tested
5,192 total cases
2,726 recovered cases
95 hospitalizations
31 in the ICU
57 deaths (1 additional death – 77 year-old male)
89,336 total people tested
The SMJUHSD Board of Education on Tuesday night unanimously adopted a Resolution to make Ethnic and Gender Studies a requirement for graduation, starting with the class of 2025.
An Ethnic and Gender Studies Committee was formed several years ago to develop a plan and respective courses in this area. Ethnic and Gender Studies class offerings, with a focus on social justice and multiculturalism, have grown in the past few years. There were eight courses and in multiple sections offered last year across all comprehensive high schools in the district. The committee will now develop a five-year plan to continue to expand course offerings and ensure a successful implementation of the new requirement for all students.
With cases of COVID-19 surging in Ventura County and throughout California, most local school districts and charter schools have decided to begin the 2020-2021 school year entirely using distance learning without bringing students back to campuses.
*Sites are for those that live or work in Ventura County.
Ford Dealership, 128 S. Hallock Dr., Santa Paula, CA 93060 M-F, 10-7
Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021 M-F, 10-7
Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura CA 93003, M-F, 10-7
Weekend testing: Friday to Tuesday at Oxnard College, 4000 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033 10-7
The County of Ventura will close all of its buildings to the public, with the exception of County health clinics, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County Fire Department, and other public safety services, effective Monday, July 20, to align with the Governor’s order to limit indoor operations as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Members of the public will continue to be able to access most County services online, by phone and by appointment.
